Chocola to pay Bush visit costs

Reimbursing two cities is 'right thing' to do, he says.

Reimbursing two cities is 'right thing' to do, he says.

March 03, 2006|JAMES WENSITS Tribune Political Writer

SOUTH BEND -- U.S. Rep. Chris Chocola said Thursday he will reimburse the cities of South Bend and Mishawaka for costs they incurred as the result of last week's visit by President Bush. The decision will mean a payment of $9,028.39 to South Bend and $2,897.71 to Mishawaka. The president was the featured guest at a fundraising luncheon for Chocola held at Bethel College that raised more than $600,000 for the candidate. Prior to and even after the event, there had been some suggestions from various groups and individuals that Chocola should foot the costs incurred by the cities because of the president's visit. The Chocola campaign, following a formula in effect for decades, already had agreed to pay other costs associated with the president's trip here, such as hotel costs for White House advance personnel, but had not addressed the direct costs incurred by the cities for police, emergency medical technicians and other personnel. Chocola said before the president arrived, there had been a "high likelihood" that the president would include an official component to the trip and not come here solely to raise funds for the campaign. Once it was clear there would be no public event, it was decided to determine the costs involved, "then do the right thing," Chocola said. The congressman said he believes the economic benefit to the community of a presidential visit "probably outweighs" any costs involved. "But we're not arguing that," he said. "There was no public event, the mayors never asked us to pay," Chocola said, adding, "I appreciate the way both mayors have handled it." South Bend Mayor Stephen Luecke said he learned of the decision during a visit to Chocola's Washington, D.C., office on Wednesday. The mayor said he is both appreciative of the gesture and delighted to accept. Luecke said South Bend's costs were greater than those of Mishawaka because the plane landed in South Bend and most of the president's travel, including his visit to the downtown Marriott Hotel, was in South Bend. Mishawaka Mayor Jeff Rea could not be reached for comment.